JOHOR BARU: Umno will not take things for granted when it comes to gaining trust and support from its grassroots in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The Umno vice-president said that this was the first time that parties in the state under Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan were working together and any issues involving compatibility had to be resolved.

"We were competing against each other nine months ago so we need to adjust our cooperation. This is no easy matter.

"We had the experience in the previous elections in six states and although Barisan is not contesting the two by-elections, we need to inform our grassroots to support our friends under the unity government," he said after the community college advisors appointment letter handover ceremony at a hotel here on Friday (Sept 1).

Mohamed Khaled said although there was some "resistance", this is the reality the party needs to face.